Skip to product information
Root | Sacred Sweetgrass Hierochloe Odorata

Root | Sacred Sweetgrass Hierochloe Odorata

$8.25 CAD

Quantity

Sacred Sweetgrass (Hierochloe Odorata) root is ideal for nature-friendly planting. Known for its delicate fragrance and traditional properties, this plant adds an authentic touch to your garden or natural space.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Availability of sweetgrass:

Sweetgrass is available exclusively in Canada between May and the end of September, subject to availability.

Sweetgrass, also known as Hierochloe odorata or buffalo grass, is a perennial herb belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

History and Cultural Significance

  • Spiritual and Cultural Use:
    Sacred sweetgrass has a long history of use by the First Nations of North America. It is considered a sacred plant and is often used in spiritual ceremonies.
  • The smoke from sweetgrass is used to purify sacred spaces and individuals, a process known as smudging. The plant is also braided into long braids, which are burned slowly to release a sweet, gentle scent.

 

  • Spiritual Meaning:
    For many indigenous cultures, sacred sweetgrass symbolizes kindness, love, and peace. It is often associated with healing and protection, and it also represents the sacred hair of Mother Earth. Some traditions consider sweetgrass to be a plant that attracts positive energies and repels negative ones.
  • Use in Traditional Medicine:
    In addition to its spiritual uses, sweetgrass has also been used in traditional medicine. It is sometimes used to treat minor ailments, although its medicinal uses vary from culture to culture.
  • Botanical Characteristics
    Sweetgrass is a herbaceous plant that grows to about 60 cm tall. It produces flowers in small panicles and has linear leaves that give off a sweet odor when crushed. This odor is due to the presence of coumarin, a chemical compound that gives sweetgrass its distinctive aroma.
  • Habitat and Culture
    Hierochloe odorata prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in meadows, marshes, and riverbanks. It thrives in temperate climates and can be grown in gardens for its ornamental and aromatic qualities.

Sacred sweetgrass, with its rich cultural and spiritual history, continues to play an important role in the traditions of many peoples around the world.

PROPERTIES

Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) is best known for its spiritual and aromatic uses, but it also has some medicinal properties. Here's a look at its medicinal properties and applications:

Medicinal Properties

  • Antimicrobial Effects:
    Sweetgrass contains compounds, including coumarin, that have antimicrobial properties. These compounds may help inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria and fungi.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties:
    Some research suggests that sweetgrass may have anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used to help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis or muscle pain.
  • Antioxidant Effects:
    The antioxidants in sweetgrass can help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
  • Use as a Digestive:
    In some traditions, sweetgrass is used to aid digestion. It can be brewed into a herbal tea to soothe digestive upsets, although this use is less documented than its other properties.
  • Sedative Properties:
    Some cultures use sweetgrass for its calming and sedative effects. It can be used to help relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep.

Medicinal Applications

  • Infusions and Herbal Teas:
    Sweetgrass can be prepared as an infusion or herbal tea to take advantage of its medicinal properties. It is often used for its calming and digestive effects.
  • Compresses and poultices:
    The dried leaves can be used in compresses or poultices applied topically for their anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Essential Oils:
    Sweetgrass extract or essential oil can be used in aromatherapy for its calming and purifying effects.
  • Topical Applications:
    Preparations containing sweetgrass can be applied directly to the skin to treat minor irritations or inflammations.

Precautions
It's important to note that while sweetgrass has interesting medicinal properties, it should not replace conventional medical treatments. The medicinal effects of the plant can vary, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using sweetgrass for medicinal purposes, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

HOW TO COOK?

Use in the Kitchen

  • Infusions and Herbal Teas:
    Sweetgrass can be brewed to make herbal teas or infusions that can then be used in sauces, soups, or stews.
  • Seasoning:
    The dried leaves can be crushed and used as a seasoning in sweet or savory dishes.
  • Flavoring:
    Sweetgrass can be used to flavor drinks, desserts, sauces or marinades

 

  • Recipe: Sweetgrass Flavored Chicken
    Ingredients :

4 chicken thighs
2 tablespoons dried sweetgrass (or 1 tablespoon sweetgrass extract)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 lemon (juice and zest)
1 tablespoon of honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions :

Preparation of the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, minced garlic cloves, dried sweetgrass, salt, and pepper. If using sweetgrass extract, add it directly to the marinade.

Chicken Marinade:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for added flavor.

Cooking :
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a roasting pan. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can also grill the chicken over medium heat on the barbecue for an extra touch of flavor.

Service :
Serve the chicken thighs warm, accompanied by roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Sweetgrass adds a subtle and unique flavor to your dishes. Feel free to experiment with other recipes or adjust the quantities according to your preferences.

dessert recipe
Here's a simple and delicious dessert recipe that uses sweetgrass to add a unique aromatic touch: Sweetgrass Crème Brûlée.

  • Sweetgrass Crème Brûlée
    Ingredients :

2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon dried sweetgrass (or 1 teaspoon sweetgrass extract)
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Additional sugar for caramelizing (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Instructions :

Infuse the Cream:
In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add the dried sweetgrass and let it steep for about 10 minutes. If using an extract, add it to the cream after heating. Strain the cream to remove any sweetgrass pieces.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the honey if using.

Mix the Cream and Eggs:
Slowly pour the hot, infused cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Mix well until the mixture is smooth.

Cooking :
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Pour the mixture into ovenproof ramekins. Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish and pour hot water into the dish to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins for a bain-marie. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

Cool :
Remove the ramekins from the bain-marie and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or until they are very cold.

Caramelize the Sugar:
Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over each custard. Use a kitchen blowtorch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy. If you don't have a blowtorch, you can place the ramekins under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully.

Serve :
Serve immediately after caramelizing the sugar to keep the crust crisp.

Sweetgrass crème brûlée offers a subtly fragrant flavor and a rich, creamy texture, perfect for an elegant and original dessert.

HOW TO GROW?

Keep sweetgrass cuttings refrigerated until planting, ensuring they remain moist.

Plant the roots horizontally, either by sowing in April or directly in the garden between mid-April and the end of May. You have until autumn, i.e. the end of September, to put your roots in the ground.

It is best to wait until the second year of cultivation before starting harvests, then you can harvest between September and May.

Use a sturdy spade to pull out the roots.

There will always be a fragment left in the soil, which will allow the plant to restart in the spring.

It is very important to water the soil regularly, as sweetgrass loves water and prefers constantly moist soil.

Our roots are vigorous, open-pollinated, and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Hierochloe odorata
  • Sowing: Early April to early May outdoors, either in spring before the last frost in your region or towards the end of September.
  • Planting the roots: Directly in the garden
  • Root depth: 7-10 cm
  • Germination time: 7 to 13 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and well-drained
  • Exposure: Likes sun, shade and cold
  • Spacing between plants: 60-75 cm
  • Height at maturity: 100-150 cm
  • Maturity: 2 years | Perennial
    Roots per envelope: +/- 3
    Our roots are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

Delivery to Canada only.

You may also like